Reindeer Herding Right and Mining in Finland

The article examines reindeer herding as a land use right and its status, particularly in relation to mining activities, which, due to the so-called green transition, have become a significant competing form of land use in Finland. The article begins by exploring the historical development of reindeer herding legislation and the formation of the current reindeer herding area. Additionally, it briefly compares the
reindeer herding legislation of Finland and Sweden, including who is entitled to practice reindeer herding. Finland’s reindeer herding area is divided into three distinct regions, within which the status of reindeer herding varies. The article investigates the origins of these regions and the differences between them. A central focus of the article, however, is the relationship between reindeer herding and mining activities. This involves both legislation and legal practice. Regarding legal practice, the discussion focuses particularly on decisions of the Supreme Administrative Court in cases where environmental and mining permits granted by administrative authorities have been deemed to cause harm to the practice of reindeer herding.